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BHP Group Limited — Interim / Quarterly Report 2012
Jan 18, 2012
14787_ffr_2012-01-18_2d4639a0-bf1f-4849-a48e-1950176c18c0.zip
Interim / Quarterly Report
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
January 18, 2012
| BHP BILLITON LIMITED | BHP BILLITON PLC |
|---|---|
| (ABN 49 004 028 077) | (REG. NO. 3196209) |
| (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) | (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
| VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND AND WALES |
| (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) | (Jurisdiction of incorporation or organisation) |
| 180 LONSDALE STREET, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA 3000 AUSTRALIA | NEATHOUSE PLACE, VICTORIA, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
x Form 20-F ¨ Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: ¨ Yes x No
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a
| Release Time | IMMEDIATE |
|---|---|
| Date | 18 January 2012 |
| Number | 01/12 |
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION REPORT FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2011
Western Australia Iron Ore production rose to a record annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis) in the December 2011 quarter, a 25% increase over the previous corresponding period.
A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter.
Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal (Australia) and Cerrejon Coal (Colombia), two of BHP Billitons high value, export oriented energy coal operations.
Petroleum production increased 36% from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.
Petroleum
| Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids (000 boe) | 44,066 | 22,228 | -10 % | -5 % | 2 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas (bcf) | 391.84 | 214.49 | 108 % | 160 % | 21 % |
| Total petroleum products (million boe) | 109.38 | 57.98 | 36 % | 56 % | 13 % |
Total petroleum production Petroleum production increased 36 per cent from the December 2010 half year following the acquisition of the Fayetteville and Petrohawk Onshore US businesses and strong uptime performance from existing, operated assets.
Crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids Liquids volumes increased marginally from the September 2011 quarter as production from the Onshore US portfolio, development drilling at Shenzi and high uptime at Atlantis (all USA) offset anticipated field decline.
The contribution from the Onshore US portfolio resulted in an eight per cent increase in natural gas liquids production in the December 2011 half year, although anticipated field decline and the temporary shut down of the non-operated Mad Dog facility (USA) resulted in lower overall liquids production relative to the prior corresponding period. Mad Dog is forecast by the operator to remain shut down until the June 2012 quarter.
Natural gas Natural gas production was higher than all comparable periods reflecting strong performance from the Onshore US and Angostura (Trinidad and Tobago) businesses. Gas production in eastern Australia was down against the September 2011 quarter due to lower seasonal demand.
Aluminium
| Alumina (000 tonnes) | 2,061 | 1,001 | 2 % | -2 % | -6 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (000 tonnes) | 628 | 313 | 0 % | 0 % | -1 % |
Alumina Sales volumes increased when compared with all corresponding periods as the Alumar refinery (Brazil) continued to deliver into expanded capacity. While a planned calciner outage at Worsley (Australia) constrained production during the December 2011 quarter, volumes are expected to recover as the refinery processes stockpiled hydrate in future periods.
Aluminium Production was in line with comparable periods with all operations running at, or close to, maximum technical capacity.
Despite our competitive position on the cost curve, our integrated Aluminium business continues to be challenged by underlying cost pressure and weaker prices.
Base Metals
| Copper (000 tonnes) | 500.6 | 280.3 | -16 % | -7 % | 27 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (tonnes) | 122,651 | 66,992 | -9 % | 3 % | 20 % |
| Zinc (tonnes) | 51,742 | 28,298 | -33 % | -23 % | 21 % |
| Silver (000 ounces) | 20,054 | 10,903 | -15 % | -6 % | 19 % |
| Uranium oxide concentrate (Uranium) (tonnes) | 1,909 | 909 | -3 % | -5 % | -9 % |
Copper A strong recovery in production across the Base Metals portfolio delivered a 27% increase in copper volumes from the September 2011 quarter. Escondida (Chile) average mill throughput per day steadily increased as operations recovered from the industrial action that affected production in the prior quarter. In addition, Olympic Dam (Australia) benefited from higher grades and improved smelter availability following the planned outage in the September 2011 quarter. The expansion of mining fleets at Antamina (Peru) and Pampa Norte (Chile) contributed to half yearly material mined records for both assets.
Consistent with prior guidance, Escondida production is forecast to be marginally lower in the 2012 financial year, with volumes weighted to the second half. Production is expected to improve beyond the 2012 financial year as mining activities progress towards higher grade ore with completion of the Escondida Ore Access project in the main pit.
At 31 December 2011, the Group had 219,718 tonnes of outstanding copper sales that were revalued at a weighted average price of US$3.45 per pound. The final price of these sales will be determined over the remainder of the 2012 financial year. In addition, 239,156 tonnes of copper sales from the 2011 financial year were subject to a finalisation adjustment in the current period. The finalisation adjustment and provisional pricing impact as at 31 December 2011 will decrease earnings before interest and tax by US$258 million for the period.
Lead/silver Production at Cannington (Australia) decreased in the December 2011 half year reflecting lower average ore grades.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 2
Zinc Production at Antamina decreased in the December 2011 half year as mining continued to progress through a copper rich ore zone.
Uranium Production was broadly in line with all comparable periods.
Diamonds & Specialty Products
| Diamonds (000 carats) | 938 | 481 | -32 % | -29 % | 5 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamonds As anticipated, production in the December 2011 half year was lower than the prior corresponding period. EKATI (Canada) production is expected to remain constrained in the medium term as the operations extract lower grade material, consistent with the mine plan.
During the quarter, BHP Billiton announced a review of its diamonds business, including the Groups interests in the EKATI Diamond Mine. The process is ongoing and could continue through the first half of the 2012 calendar year.
Stainless Steel Materials
| Nickel (000 tonnes) | 73.5 | 38.4 | -10 % | -11 % | 9 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nickel Production increased in the December 2011 quarter with the Line 1 furnace at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) operating at full production rates following its successful replacement in the prior quarter. In addition, higher nickel in matte production at the Nickel West Kalgoorlie smelter (Australia) compensated for a decline in metal production at the Nickel West Kwinana refinery that resulted from a planned outage at a third party hydrogen supplier. Nickel West Kwinana is expected to commission its new hydrogen plant in the March 2012 quarter.
The Nickel West Mt Keith Talc Redesign Project, which enables the processing of talc bearing ore, was successfully commissioned in December 2011.
Nickel West operating margins remain sensitive to persistent weakness in nickel prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 3
Iron Ore
| Iron ore (000 tonnes) | 80,644 | 41,072 | 23 % | 22 % | 4 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iron ore Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO) delivered another quarterly record as production rose to an annualised rate of 178 million tonnes per annum (100% basis). Consistently strong operating performance, the ramp up of Ore Handling Plant 3 at Yandi, dual tracking of the companys rail infrastructure and additional ship loading capacity at Port Hedland all contributed to the record performance. While scheduled maintenance, tie-in activities and the wet season in the Pilbara are expected to affect WAIO production in the second half of the 2012 financial year, full year production is now forecast to marginally exceed prior guidance of 159 million tonnes per annum (100% basis).
Production at Samarco (Brazil) was in line with comparable periods with all three pellet plants continuing to run at full capacity.
Manganese
| Manganese ore (000 tonnes) | 3,825 | 1,806 | -3 % | -1 % | -11 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese alloy (000 tonnes) | 389 | 195 | -1 % | 2 % | 1 % |
Manganese ore Production was lower than the September 2011 quarter as planned maintenance at Hotazel (South Africa) and a weather related reduction in plant availability at GEMCO (Australia) constrained performance.
Manganese alloy Alloy production was in line with comparable periods.
Metallurgical Coal
| Metallurgical coal (000 tonnes) | 17,784 | 8,493 | -2 % | 9 % | -9 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Metallurgical coal Queensland Coal (Australia) volumes for the December 2011 quarter remained below capacity as a result of stoppages associated with the ongoing labour negotiations and the remnant effects of wet weather. In addition, geotechnical issues at the Gregory Crinum longwall adversely affected production in the period. While system capability is no longer constrained by the 2011 floods, the extent to which industrial action will continue to impact production, sales and unit costs is difficult to predict.
Illawarra Coal (Australia) production increased in the December 2011 half year following successful longwall moves at Dendrobium and Appin in the June 2011 quarter. Volumes were lower than the September 2011 quarter as a planned shutdown of the West Cliff Coal Handling Preparation Plant was undertaken in readiness for commissioning of a plant upgrade. A longwall move and plant shutdown at Dendrobium is scheduled for the March 2012 quarter.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 4
Energy Coal
| Energy coal (000 tonnes) | 35,379 | 16,919 | 5 % | 2 % | -8 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Energy coal Half yearly production records were achieved at New South Wales Energy Coal and Cerrejon Coal, two of BHP Billitons high value, export oriented energy coal operations. However, unfavourable mining conditions and an industrial dispute at South Africa Coal, together with the suspension of operations at San Juan Coal (USA), resulted in lower production relative to the September 2011 quarter.
Throughout this report, unless otherwise stated, production volumes refer to BHP Billitons share and exclude suspended and sold operations.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com
| Media Relations | Investor Relations |
|---|---|
| Australia | Australia |
| Samantha Stevens | James Agar |
| Tel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 | Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 467 807 064 |
| email: [email protected] | email: [email protected] |
| Kelly Quirke | Andrew Gunn |
| Tel: +61 3 9609 2896 Mobile: +61 429 966 312 | Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 439 558 454 |
| email: [email protected] | email: [email protected] |
| Fiona Martin | United Kingdom and South Africa |
| Tel: +61 3 9609 2211 Mobile: +61 427 777 908 email: [email protected] | Brendan Harris |
| Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726 | |
| United Kingdom and Americas | email: [email protected] |
| Ruban Yogarajah | Tara Dines |
| Tel: US +1 713 966 2907 or UK +44 20 7802 4033 | Tel : +44 20 7802 7113 Mobile : +44 7825 342 232 |
| Mobile: UK +44 7827 082 022 | Email : [email protected] |
| email: [email protected] | |
| Americas | |
| Scott Espenshade | |
| Tel: +1 713 599 6431 Mobile: +1 713 208 8565 | |
| email: [email protected] | |
| BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 | BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 |
| Registered in Australia | Registered in England and Wales |
| Registered Office: 180 Lonsdale Street | Registered Office: Neathouse Place |
| Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia | London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom |
| Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 | Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111 |
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 5
BHP BILLITON PRODUCTION SUMMARY - CONTINUING OPERATIONS
| DEC 2010 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | DEC YTD11 vs DEC YTD10 | DEC Q11 vs DEC Q10 | DEC Q11 vs SEP Q11 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETROLEUM | |||||||||
| Crude oil & condensate | (000 bbl) | 20,652 | 18,482 | 18,866 | 37,348 | 42,739 | -13 % | -9 % | 2 % |
| Natural gas | (bcf) | 82.54 | 177.35 | 214.49 | 391.84 | 188.37 | 108 % | 160 % | 21 % |
| Natural gas liquids | (000 boe) | 2,842 | 3,356 | 3,362 | 6,718 | 6,205 | 8 % | 18 % | 0 % |
| Total petroleum products | (million boe) | 37.25 | 51.40 | 57.98 | 109.38 | 80.34 | 36 % | 56 % | 13 % |
| ALUMINIUM | |||||||||
| Alumina | (000 tonnes) | 1,025 | 1,060 | 1,001 | 2,061 | 2,025 | 2 % | -2 % | -6 % |
| Aluminium | (000 tonnes) | 314 | 315 | 313 | 628 | 628 | 0 % | 0 % | -1 % |
| BASE METALS | |||||||||
| Copper | (000 tonnes) | 302.3 | 220.3 | 280.3 | 500.6 | 593.5 | -16 % | -7 % | 27 % |
| Lead | (tonnes) | 64,925 | 55,659 | 66,992 | 122,651 | 134,066 | -9 % | 3 % | 20 % |
| Zinc | (tonnes) | 36,945 | 23,444 | 28,298 | 51,742 | 77,142 | -33 % | -23 % | 21 % |
| Gold | (ounces) | 51,626 | 39,439 | 44,007 | 83,446 | 100,987 | -17 % | -15 % | 12 % |
| Silver | (000 ounces) | 11,571 | 9,151 | 10,903 | 20,054 | 23,723 | -15 % | -6 % | 19 % |
| Uranium oxide concentrate | (tonnes) | 957 | 1,000 | 909 | 1,909 | 1,967 | -3 % | -5 % | -9 % |
| Molybdenum | (tonnes) | 485 | 595 | 766 | 1,361 | 693 | 96 % | 58 % | 29 % |
| DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS | |||||||||
| Diamonds | (000 carats) | 676 | 457 | 481 | 938 | 1,379 | -32 % | -29 % | 5 % |
| STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS | |||||||||
| Nickel | (000 tonnes) | 43.0 | 35.1 | 38.4 | 73.5 | 81.5 | -10 % | -11 % | 9 % |
| IRON ORE | |||||||||
| Iron ore | (000 tonnes) | 33,666 | 39,572 | 41,072 | 80,644 | 65,649 | 23 % | 22 % | 4 % |
| MANGANESE | |||||||||
| Manganese ore | (000 tonnes) | 1,829 | 2,019 | 1,806 | 3,825 | 3,951 | -3 % | -1 % | -11 % |
| Manganese alloy | (000 tonnes) | 192 | 194 | 195 | 389 | 391 | -1 % | 2 % | 1 % |
| METALLURGICAL COAL | |||||||||
| Metallurgical coal | (000 tonnes) | 7,787 | 9,291 | 8,493 | 17,784 | 18,086 | -2 % | 9 % | -9 % |
| ENERGY COAL | |||||||||
| Energy coal | (000 tonnes) | 16,513 | 18,460 | 16,919 | 35,379 | 33,619 | 5 % | 2 % | -8 % |
Throughout this report figures in italics indicate that this figure has been adjusted since it was previously reported.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 1
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
| BHP Billiton Interest | DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PETROLEUM | ||||||||
| Production | ||||||||
| Crude oil & condensate (000 bbl) | 20,652 | 19,200 | 18,652 | 18,482 | 18,866 | 37,348 | 42,739 | |
| Natural gas (bcf) | 82.54 | 84.90 | 131.79 | 177.35 | 214.49 | 391.84 | 188.37 | |
| NGL (000 boe) (a) | 2,842 | 2,442 | 2,636 | 3,356 | 3,362 | 6,718 | 6,205 | |
| Total petroleum products (million boe) | 37.25 | 35.79 | 43.25 | 51.40 | 57.98 | 109.38 | 80.34 | |
| ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
| ALUMINA | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Worsley | 86 % | 758 | 663 | 725 | 752 | 694 | 1,446 | 1,514 |
| Alumar | 36 % | 267 | 296 | 301 | 308 | 307 | 615 | 511 |
| Total | 1,025 | 959 | 1,026 | 1,060 | 1,001 | 2,061 | 2,025 | |
| ALUMINIUM | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Hillside | 100 % | 179 | 173 | 179 | 180 | 180 | 360 | 359 |
| Bayside | 100 % | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 49 | 49 |
| Alumar | 40 % | 43 | 44 | 43 | 44 | 42 | 86 | 87 |
| Mozal | 47 % | 67 | 64 | 67 | 66 | 67 | 133 | 133 |
| Total | 314 | 305 | 313 | 315 | 313 | 628 | 628 | |
| BASE METALS (b) | ||||||||
| COPPER | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Escondida | 57.5 % | 112.7 | 87.7 | 79.4 | 49.9 | 80.4 | 130.3 | 223.4 |
| Antamina | 33.8 % | 27.2 | 24.9 | 22.5 | 30.3 | 30.9 | 61.2 | 50.4 |
| Total | 139.9 | 112.6 | 101.9 | 80.2 | 111.3 | 191.5 | 273.8 | |
| Cathode (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| Escondida | 57.5 % | 47.1 | 44.4 | 42.6 | 32.9 | 43.0 | 75.9 | 92.1 |
| Pampa Norte (c) | 100 % | 66.0 | 64.1 | 75.7 | 65.4 | 70.0 | 135.4 | 132.4 |
| Pinto Valley | 100 % | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Olympic Dam | 100 % | 47.8 | 51.1 | 50.7 | 40.4 | 54.6 | 95.0 | 92.3 |
| Total | 162.4 | 161.0 | 170.4 | 140.1 | 169.0 | 309.1 | 319.7 | |
| LEAD | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) | ||||||||
| Cannington | 100 % | 64,748 | 51,673 | 58,414 | 55,557 | 66,787 | 122,344 | 133,277 |
| Antamina | 33.8 % | 177 | 237 | 164 | 102 | 205 | 307 | 789 |
| Total | 64,925 | 51,910 | 58,578 | 55,659 | 66,992 | 122,651 | 134,066 | |
| ZINC | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) | ||||||||
| Cannington | 100 % | 14,920 | 16,129 | 14,348 | 14,488 | 14,745 | 29,233 | 30,180 |
| Antamina | 33.8 % | 22,025 | 24,123 | 20,385 | 8,956 | 13,553 | 22,509 | 46,962 |
| Total | 36,945 | 40,252 | 34,733 | 23,444 | 28,298 | 51,742 | 77,142 |
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 2
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
| BHP Billiton Interest | DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASE METALS (continued) | ||||||||
| GOLD | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (ounces) | ||||||||
| Escondida | 57.5 % | 23,133 | 19,667 | 17,116 | 11,063 | 14,242 | 25,305 | 47,940 |
| Olympic Dam (refined gold) | 100 % | 28,493 | 29,892 | 28,429 | 28,376 | 29,765 | 58,141 | 53,047 |
| Total | 51,626 | 49,559 | 45,545 | 39,439 | 44,007 | 83,446 | 100,987 | |
| SILVER | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (000 ounces) | ||||||||
| Escondida | 57.5 % | 796 | 670 | 580 | 403 | 549 | 952 | 1,599 |
| Antamina | 33.8 % | 1,025 | 813 | 773 | 972 | 1,087 | 2,059 | 2,014 |
| Cannington | 100 % | 9,509 | 7,315 | 8,242 | 7,559 | 9,056 | 16,615 | 19,668 |
| Olympic Dam (refined silver) | 100 % | 241 | 258 | 282 | 217 | 211 | 428 | 442 |
| Total | 11,571 | 9,056 | 9,877 | 9,151 | 10,903 | 20,054 | 23,723 | |
| URANIUM OXIDE CONCENTRATE | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) | ||||||||
| Olympic Dam | 100 % | 957 | 1,063 | 1,015 | 1,000 | 909 | 1,909 | 1,967 |
| Total | 957 | 1,063 | 1,015 | 1,000 | 909 | 1,909 | 1,967 | |
| MOLYBDENUM | ||||||||
| Payable metal in concentrate (tonnes) | ||||||||
| Antamina | 33.8 % | 485 | 334 | 418 | 595 | 766 | 1,361 | 693 |
| Total | 485 | 334 | 418 | 595 | 766 | 1,361 | 693 | |
| DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS | ||||||||
| DIAMONDS | ||||||||
| Production (000 carats) | ||||||||
| EKATI | 80 % | 676 | 551 | 576 | 457 | 481 | 938 | 1,379 |
| STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS | ||||||||
| NICKEL | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| CMSA | 99.9 % | 12.4 | 7.8 | 7.4 | 10.4 | 12.3 | 22.7 | 24.8 |
| Nickel West | 100 % | 30.6 | 25.2 | 30.8 | 24.7 | 26.1 | 50.8 | 56.7 |
| Total | 43.0 | 33.0 | 38.2 | 35.1 | 38.4 | 73.5 | 81.5 |
Refer footnotes on page 4.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 3
BHP BILLITON ATTRIBUTABLE PRODUCTION
| BHP Billiton Interest | DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRON ORE | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) (d) | ||||||||
| Newman (e) | 85 % | 11,213 | 11,912 | 12,480 | 13,158 | 13,247 | 26,405 | 20,853 |
| Goldsworthy Joint Venture | 85 % | 225 | 305 | 284 | 254 | 334 | 588 | 609 |
| Area C Joint Venture | 85 % | 10,154 | 9,510 | 10,044 | 10,479 | 10,437 | 20,916 | 20,240 |
| Yandi Joint Venture | 85 % | 9,078 | 8,799 | 9,796 | 12,708 | 14,170 | 26,878 | 17,865 |
| Samarco | 50 % | 2,996 | 2,705 | 2,922 | 2,973 | 2,884 | 5,857 | 6,082 |
| Total | 33,666 | 33,231 | 35,526 | 39,572 | 41,072 | 80,644 | 65,649 | |
| MANGANESE | ||||||||
| MANGANESE ORES | ||||||||
| Saleable production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| South Africa (f) | 60 % | 779 | 514 | 776 | 911 | 808 | 1,719 | 1,717 |
| Australia (f) | 60 % | 1,050 | 838 | 1,014 | 1,108 | 998 | 2,106 | 2,234 |
| Total | 1,829 | 1,352 | 1,790 | 2,019 | 1,806 | 3,825 | 3,951 | |
| MANGANESE ALLOYS | ||||||||
| Saleable production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| South Africa (f) (g) | 60 % | 123 | 111 | 120 | 124 | 124 | 248 | 255 |
| Australia (f) | 60 % | 69 | 61 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 141 | 136 |
| Total | 192 | 172 | 190 | 194 | 195 | 389 | 391 | |
| METALLURGICAL COAL | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) (h) | ||||||||
| BMA | 50 % | 4,534 | 3,955 | 4,874 | 5,274 | 5,006 | 10,280 | 11,072 |
| BHP Mitsui Coal (i) | 80 % | 1,421 | 1,133 | 1,426 | 1,803 | 1,580 | 3,383 | 3,334 |
| Illawarra | 100 % | 1,832 | 1,582 | 1,622 | 2,214 | 1,907 | 4,121 | 3,680 |
| Total | 7,787 | 6,670 | 7,922 | 9,291 | 8,493 | 17,784 | 18,086 | |
| ENERGY COAL | ||||||||
| Production (000 tonnes) | ||||||||
| South Africa | 100 % | 8,507 | 8,596 | 8,228 | 9,095 | 7,976 | 17,071 | 17,504 |
| USA | 100 % | 2,296 | 2,360 | 3,779 | 2,467 | 2,163 | 4,630 | 5,473 |
| Australia | 100 % | 3,394 | 3,978 | 3,793 | 4,046 | 4,027 | 8,073 | 5,900 |
| Colombia | 33 % | 2,316 | 2,609 | 2,538 | 2,852 | 2,753 | 5,605 | 4,742 |
| Total | 16,513 | 17,543 | 18,338 | 18,460 | 16,919 | 35,379 | 33,619 |
(a) LPG and ethane are reported as Natural Gas Liquid (NGL). Product-specific conversions are made and NGL is reported in barrels of oil equivalent (boe).
(b) Metal production is reported on the basis of payable metal.
(c) Includes Cerro Colorado and Spence.
(d) Iron ore production is reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(e) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
(f) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%.
(g) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(h) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(i) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 4
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC | MAR | JUN | SEP | DEC | DEC | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | |
| PETROLEUM | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production unless otherwise stated. | |||||||
| CRUDE OIL & CONDENSATE (000 barrels) | |||||||
| Bass Strait | 2,553 | 2,465 | 2,485 | 2,527 | 2,190 | 4,717 | 5,264 |
| North West Shelf | 2,188 | 1,719 | 1,442 | 1,400 | 1,686 | 3,086 | 4,425 |
| Stybarrow | 358 | 862 | 1,037 | 1,171 | 836 | 2,007 | 909 |
| Pyrenees | 5,362 | 4,326 | 4,584 | 3,901 | 3,207 | 7,108 | 10,878 |
| Other Australia (a) | 10 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 26 | 25 |
| Atlantis (b) | 2,881 | 2,694 | 2,098 | 2,081 | 2,390 | 4,471 | 5,919 |
| Mad Dog (b) | 874 | 952 | 128 | | | | 1,949 |
| Shenzi (b) (c) | 3,859 | 3,378 | 3,630 | 3,848 | 4,119 | 7,967 | 7,775 |
| Onshore US (d) | | | | 672 | 1,631 | 2,303 | |
| Trinidad/Tobago | | 299 | 687 | 466 | 466 | 932 | 285 |
| Other Americas (b) (e) | 430 | 397 | 448 | 373 | 374 | 747 | 789 |
| UK | 479 | 542 | 534 | 447 | 433 | 880 | 1,090 |
| Algeria | 1,587 | 1,474 | 1,498 | 1,498 | 1,437 | 2,935 | 3,273 |
| Pakistan | 71 | 79 | 68 | 85 | 84 | 169 | 158 |
| Total | 20,652 | 19,200 | 18,652 | 18,482 | 18,866 | 37,348 | 42,739 |
| NATURAL GAS (billion cubic feet) | |||||||
| Bass Strait | 20.94 | 22.31 | 29.97 | 31.88 | 23.65 | 55.53 | 59.75 |
| North West Shelf | 36.47 | 35.11 | 35.44 | 32.97 | 32.56 | 65.53 | 72.96 |
| Other Australia (a) | 3.83 | 4.69 | 4.68 | 4.45 | 4.56 | 9.01 | 9.83 |
| Atlantis (b) | 1.07 | 0.84 | 0.67 | 0.64 | 0.67 | 1.31 | 2.40 |
| Mad Dog (b) | 0.06 | 0.13 | 0.01 | | | | 0.31 |
| Shenzi (b) (c) | 0.77 | 0.64 | 0.67 | 0.62 | 0.57 | 1.19 | 1.52 |
| Onshore US (d) | | | 36.43 | 77.59 | 121.63 | 199.22 | |
| Trinidad/Tobago | | | 4.69 | 9.31 | 9.72 | 19.03 | |
| Other Americas (b) (e) | 1.32 | 1.33 | 1.42 | 1.19 | 0.98 | 2.17 | 2.72 |
| UK | 6.14 | 6.32 | 5.69 | 3.91 | 5.51 | 9.42 | 12.45 |
| Pakistan | 11.94 | 13.53 | 12.12 | 14.79 | 14.64 | 29.43 | 26.43 |
| Total | 82.54 | 84.90 | 131.79 | 177.35 | 214.49 | 391.84 | 188.37 |
| NGL (000 barrels of oil equivalent) | |||||||
| Bass Strait | 1,412 | 1,252 | 1,554 | 1,823 | 1,407 | 3,230 | 3,442 |
| North West Shelf | 442 | 434 | 367 | 423 | 434 | 857 | 913 |
| Atlantis (b) | 177 | 150 | 117 | 120 | 123 | 243 | 365 |
| Mad Dog (b) | 42 | 39 | 11 | | | | 84 |
| Shenzi (b) (c) | 336 | 245 | 252 | 296 | 293 | 589 | 532 |
| Onshore US (d) | | | | 416 | 943 | 1,359 | |
| Other Americas (b) (e) | 54 | 42 | 47 | 41 | 34 | 75 | 96 |
| UK | 74 | 79 | 66 | 18 | 45 | 63 | 134 |
| Algeria | 305 | 201 | 222 | 219 | 83 | 302 | 639 |
| Total | 2,842 | 2,442 | 2,636 | 3,356 | 3,362 | 6,718 | 6,205 |
| TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCTS | 37.25 | 35.79 | 43.25 | 51.40 | 57.98 | 109.38 | 80.34 |
(million barrels of oil equivalent) (f)
(a) Other Australia includes Minerva.
(b) Gulf of Mexico volumes are net of royalties.
(c) The Genghis Khan operation is reported in Shenzi.
(d) Fayetteville shale acquisition completed on 31 March 2011. Petrohawk Energy Corporation acquisition completed on 20 August 2011. Onshore US volumes are net of mineral holder royalties.
(e) Other Americas includes Neptune, West Cameron 76, Genesis and Starlifter.
(f) Total barrels of oil equivalent (boe) conversions are based on 6,000 scf of natural gas equals 1 boe.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 5
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC | MAR | JUN | SEP | DEC | DEC | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | |
| ALUMINIUM | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| ALUMINA | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| Worsley, Australia | 758 | 663 | 725 | 752 | 694 | 1,446 | 1,514 |
| Alumar, Brazil | 267 | 296 | 301 | 308 | 307 | 615 | 511 |
| Total | 1,025 | 959 | 1,026 | 1,060 | 1,001 | 2,061 | 2,025 |
| Sales | |||||||
| Worsley, Australia | 735 | 633 | 727 | 720 | 745 | 1,465 | 1,502 |
| Alumar, Brazil | 271 | 249 | 324 | 280 | 349 | 629 | 510 |
| Total | 1,006 | 882 | 1,051 | 1,000 | 1,093 | 2,093 | 2,012 |
| ALUMINIUM | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| Hillside, South Africa | 179 | 173 | 179 | 180 | 180 | 360 | 359 |
| Bayside, South Africa | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 24 | 49 | 49 |
| Alumar, Brazil | 43 | 44 | 43 | 44 | 42 | 86 | 87 |
| Mozal, Mozambique | 67 | 64 | 67 | 66 | 67 | 133 | 133 |
| Total | 314 | 305 | 313 | 315 | 313 | 628 | 628 |
| Sales | |||||||
| Hillside, South Africa | 160 | 163 | 181 | 163 | 186 | 349 | 308 |
| Bayside, South Africa | 31 | 38 | 29 | 24 | 25 | 49 | 60 |
| Alumar, Brazil | 43 | 43 | 44 | 44 | 43 | 87 | 87 |
| Mozal, Mozambique | 76 | 66 | 80 | 60 | 85 | 145 | 131 |
| Total | 310 | 310 | 334 | 291 | 339 | 630 | 586 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 6
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASE METALS | ||||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless | ||||||||
| otherwise stated. | ||||||||
| Escondida, Chile | ||||||||
| Material mined (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 98,167 | 100,966 | 97,705 | 69,006 | 96,152 | 165,158 | 202,008 |
| Sulphide ore milled (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 18,789 | 15,993 | 16,399 | 12,029 | 18,663 | 30,692 | 38,486 |
| Average copper grade | (%) | 1.26 % | 1.15 % | 1.06 % | 0.97 % | 0.97 % | 0.97 % | 1.25 % |
| Production ex mill (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 194.6 | 153.1 | 141.2 | 91.9 | 144.3 | 236.2 | 392.3 |
| Production | ||||||||
| Payable copper | (000 tonnes) | 112.7 | 87.7 | 79.4 | 49.9 | 80.4 | 130.3 | 223.4 |
| Payable gold concentrate | (fine ounces) | 23,133 | 19,667 | 17,116 | 11,063 | 14,242 | 25,305 | 47,940 |
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 47.1 | 44.4 | 42.6 | 32.9 | 43.0 | 75.9 | 92.1 |
| Payable silver concentrate | (000 ounces) | 796 | 670 | 580 | 403 | 549 | 952 | 1,599 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Payable copper | (000 tonnes) | 113.9 | 74.3 | 90.9 | 49.2 | 82.1 | 131.3 | 228.7 |
| Payable gold concentrate | (fine ounces) | 23,357 | 16,754 | 20,251 | 10,974 | 14,435 | 25,409 | 49,018 |
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 46.1 | 47.7 | 48.0 | 25.7 | 45.3 | 71.0 | 86.1 |
| Payable silver concentrate | (000 ounces) | 804 | 569 | 673 | 404 | 558 | 962 | 1,635 |
| Pampa Norte, Chile | ||||||||
| Cerro Colorado | ||||||||
| Material mined | (000 tonnes) | 18,290 | 16,320 | 17,840 | 14,736 | 16,792 | 31,528 | 33,934 |
| Ore milled | (000 tonnes) | 4,631 | 4,251 | 4,771 | 4,608 | 4,601 | 9,209 | 9,215 |
| Average copper grade | (%) | 0.76 % | 0.75 % | 0.74 % | 0.72 % | 0.71 % | 0.72 % | 0.75 % |
| Production | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 22.4 | 22.6 | 25.7 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 46.0 | 44.1 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 24.7 | 22.5 | 25.7 | 22.4 | 23.8 | 46.2 | 46.1 |
| Spence | ||||||||
| Material mined | (000 tonnes) | 18,389 | 19,046 | 19,487 | 19,816 | 26,511 | 46,327 | 35,537 |
| Ore milled | (000 tonnes) | 4,567 | 4,892 | 4,545 | 3,862 | 4,909 | 8,771 | 8,994 |
| Average copper grade | (%) | 1.28 % | 1.23 % | 1.22 % | 1.30 % | 1.46 % | 1.39 % | 1.27 % |
| Production | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 43.6 | 41.5 | 50.0 | 42.9 | 46.5 | 89.4 | 88.3 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 48.2 | 45.7 | 54.5 | 43.2 | 46.6 | 89.8 | 85.2 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 7
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASE METALS | ||||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless | ||||||||
| otherwise stated. | ||||||||
| Antamina, Peru | ||||||||
| Material mined (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 32,722 | 33,154 | 41,669 | 44,212 | 38,759 | 82,971 | 63,321 |
| Sulphide ore milled (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 9,347 | 9,288 | 9,253 | 9,396 | 9,656 | 19,052 | 18,388 |
| Average head grades | ||||||||
| - Copper | (%) | 1.06 % | 0.99 % | 0.90 % | 1.11 % | 1.15 % | 1.13 % | 1.00 % |
| - Zinc | (%) | 1.11 % | 1.15 % | 1.03 % | 0.68 % | 0.72 % | 0.70 % | 1.23 % |
| Production | ||||||||
| Payable copper | (000 tonnes) | 27.2 | 24.9 | 22.5 | 30.3 | 30.9 | 61.2 | 50.4 |
| Payable zinc | (tonnes) | 22,025 | 24,123 | 20,385 | 8,956 | 13,553 | 22,509 | 46,962 |
| Payable silver | (000 ounces) | 1,025 | 813 | 773 | 972 | 1,087 | 2,059 | 2,014 |
| Payable lead | (tonnes) | 177 | 237 | 164 | 102 | 205 | 307 | 789 |
| Payable molybdenum | (tonnes) | 485 | 334 | 418 | 595 | 766 | 1,361 | 693 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Payable copper | (000 tonnes) | 21.8 | 26.1 | 23.5 | 28.2 | 31.7 | 59.9 | 49.5 |
| Payable zinc | (tonnes) | 24,912 | 25,571 | 18,479 | 9,586 | 12,654 | 22,240 | 48,849 |
| Payable silver | (000 ounces) | 882 | 839 | 658 | 833 | 940 | 1,773 | 2,124 |
| Payable lead | (tonnes) | 503 | 180 | 92 | 91 | 139 | 230 | 1,251 |
| Payable molybdenum | (tonnes) | 292 | 394 | 346 | 549 | 591 | 1,140 | 730 |
| Cannington, Australia | ||||||||
| Material mined | (000 tonnes) | 824 | 703 | 841 | 819 | 778 | 1,597 | 1,566 |
| Ore milled | (000 tonnes) | 760 | 713 | 786 | 826 | 888 | 1,714 | 1,591 |
| Average head grades | ||||||||
| - Silver | (g/t) | 459 | 377 | 381 | 332 | 370 | 352 | 453 |
| - Lead | (%) | 9.9 % | 8.6 % | 8.6 % | 7.9 % | 8.8 % | 8.4 % | 9.7 % |
| - Zinc | (%) | 3.3 % | 3.6 % | 2.9 % | 2.9 % | 2.9 % | 2.9 % | 3.1 % |
| Production | ||||||||
| Payable silver | (000 ounces) | 9,509 | 7,315 | 8,242 | 7,559 | 9,056 | 16,615 | 19,668 |
| Payable lead | (tonnes) | 64,748 | 51,673 | 58,414 | 55,557 | 66,787 | 122,344 | 133,277 |
| Payable zinc | (tonnes) | 14,920 | 16,129 | 14,348 | 14,488 | 14,745 | 29,233 | 30,180 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Payable silver | (000 ounces) | 9,973 | 7,263 | 8,235 | 6,434 | 8,960 | 15,394 | 19,192 |
| Payable lead | (tonnes) | 67,815 | 52,199 | 58,868 | 48,258 | 66,657 | 114,915 | 130,906 |
| Payable zinc | (tonnes) | 16,621 | 12,986 | 14,530 | 15,734 | 14,078 | 29,812 | 29,098 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 8
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASE METALS | ||||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. Metals production is payable metal unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
| Olympic Dam, Australia | ||||||||
| Material mined (a) | (000 tonnes) | 2,513 | 2,433 | 2,675 | 2,543 | 2,440 | 4,983 | 5,223 |
| Ore milled | (000 tonnes) | 2,622 | 2,670 | 2,533 | 2,471 | 2,440 | 4,911 | 5,127 |
| Average copper grade | (%) | 1.78 % | 1.84 % | 1.92 % | 1.98 % | 2.08 % | 2.03 % | 1.84 % |
| Average uranium grade | kg/t | 0.50 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.54 | 0.50 | 0.52 | 0.52 |
| Production | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (ER) | (000 tonnes) | 45.0 | 47.8 | 47.0 | 37.6 | 51.5 | 89.1 | 86.6 |
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 2.8 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| Uranium oxide concentrate | (tonnes) | 957 | 1,063 | 1,015 | 1,000 | 909 | 1,909 | 1,967 |
| Refined gold | (fine ounces) | 28,493 | 29,892 | 28,429 | 28,376 | 29,765 | 58,141 | 53,047 |
| Refined silver | (000 ounces) | 241 | 258 | 282 | 217 | 211 | 428 | 442 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (ER) | (000 tonnes) | 45.3 | 48.7 | 46.5 | 36.4 | 51.7 | 88.1 | 87.5 |
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 2.9 | 2.7 | 4.1 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Uranium oxide concentrate | (tonnes) | 1,121 | 930 | 1,143 | 910 | 1,126 | 2,036 | 1,872 |
| Refined gold | (fine ounces) | 29,757 | 31,742 | 30,323 | 28,979 | 24,327 | 53,306 | 48,671 |
| Refined silver | (000 ounces) | 150 | 334 | 269 | 289 | 155 | 444 | 351 |
| (a) Material mined refers to run of mine ore mined and hoisted. | ||||||||
| Pinto Valley, USA | ||||||||
| Production | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 2.9 |
| Sales | ||||||||
| Copper cathode (EW) | (000 tonnes) | 1.0 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.2 | 2.9 | 2.8 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 9
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIAMONDS AND SPECIALTY PRODUCTS | ||||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. | ||||||||
| DIAMONDS | ||||||||
| EKATI, Canada | ||||||||
| Ore Processed (100%) | (000 tonnes) | 1,162 | 1,122 | 1,212 | 1,177 | 1,090 | 2,267 | 2,358 |
| Production | (000 carats) | 676 | 551 | 576 | 457 | 481 | 938 | 1,379 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 10
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAINLESS STEEL MATERIALS | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| NICKEL | |||||||
| CMSA, Colombia | |||||||
| Production | 12.4 | 7.8 | 7.4 | 10.4 | 12.3 | 22.7 | 24.8 |
| Sales | 12.8 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 7.7 | 13.1 | 20.8 | 24.8 |
| Nickel West, Australia | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| Nickel contained in concentrate | 1.7 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 4.4 | 2.6 |
| Nickel contained in finished matte | 21.8 | 12.4 | 16.1 | 9.0 | 15.2 | 24.2 | 35.4 |
| Nickel metal | 7.1 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 13.1 | 9.1 | 22.2 | 18.7 |
| Nickel production | 30.6 | 25.2 | 30.8 | 24.7 | 26.1 | 50.8 | 56.7 |
| Sales | |||||||
| Nickel contained in concentrate | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.9 | 1.2 | 2.6 | 3.8 | 2.4 |
| Nickel contained in finished matte | 19.9 | 14.7 | 14.9 | 10.1 | 13.9 | 24.0 | 34.5 |
| Nickel metal | 9.6 | 9.2 | 12.4 | 9.4 | 10.9 | 20.3 | 21.8 |
| Nickel sales | 30.3 | 26.1 | 31.2 | 20.7 | 27.4 | 48.1 | 58.7 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 11
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRON ORE | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| IRON ORE (a) | |||||||
| Pilbara, Australia | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| Newman (b) | 11,213 | 11,912 | 12,480 | 13,158 | 13,247 | 26,405 | 20,853 |
| Goldsworthy Joint Venture | 225 | 305 | 284 | 254 | 334 | 588 | 609 |
| Area C Joint Venture | 10,154 | 9,510 | 10,044 | 10,479 | 10,437 | 20,916 | 20,240 |
| Yandi Joint Venture | 9,078 | 8,799 | 9,796 | 12,708 | 14,170 | 26,878 | 17,865 |
| Total (BHP Billiton share) | 30,670 | 30,526 | 32,604 | 36,599 | 38,188 | 74,787 | 59,567 |
| Total production (100%) | 36,082 | 35,913 | 38,358 | 43,058 | 44,927 | 87,985 | 70,078 |
| Shipments | |||||||
| Lump | 7,830 | 7,669 | 7,463 | 7,744 | 8,700 | 16,444 | 15,652 |
| Fines | 23,870 | 22,648 | 25,379 | 29,311 | 28,406 | 57,717 | 44,919 |
| Total (BHP Billiton share) | 31,700 | 30,317 | 32,842 | 37,055 | 37,106 | 74,161 | 60,571 |
| Total sales (100%) | 37,294 | 35,667 | 38,638 | 43,594 | 43,654 | 87,248 | 71,260 |
(a) Iron ore production and shipments are reported on a wet tonnes basis.
(b) Newman includes Mt Newman Joint Venture and Jimblebar.
| Samarco, Brazil — Production | 2,996 | 2,705 | 2,922 | 2,973 | 2,884 | 5,857 | 6,082 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shipments | 3,460 | 2,598 | 2,736 | 2,926 | 2,961 | 5,887 | 6,094 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 12
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC 2010 | MAR 2011 | JUN 2011 | SEP 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2011 | DEC 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MANGANESE | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| MANGANESE ORE | |||||||
| South Africa (a) | |||||||
| Saleable production | 779 | 514 | 776 | 911 | 808 | 1,719 | 1,717 |
| Sales | 947 | 701 | 746 | 861 | 853 | 1,714 | 1,604 |
| Australia (a) | |||||||
| Saleable production | 1,050 | 838 | 1,014 | 1,108 | 998 | 2,106 | 2,234 |
| Sales | 1,173 | 1,127 | 1,108 | 1,094 | 876 | 1,970 | 1,725 |
| MANGANESE ALLOY | |||||||
| South Africa (a) (b) | |||||||
| Saleable production | 123 | 111 | 120 | 124 | 124 | 248 | 255 |
| Sales | 153 | 145 | 123 | 95 | 138 | 233 | 248 |
| Australia (a) | |||||||
| Saleable production | 69 | 61 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 141 | 136 |
| Sales | 68 | 62 | 75 | 91 | 58 | 149 | 121 |
(a) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 60%, except Hotazel Manganese Mines which is 44.4%.
(b) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 13
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC | MAR | JUN | SEP | DEC | DEC | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | |
| METALLURGICAL COAL | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| METALLURGICAL COAL (a) | |||||||
| Queensland, Australia | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| BMA | |||||||
| Blackwater | 1,134 | 870 | 1,127 | 1,367 | 1,122 | 2,489 | 2,592 |
| Goonyella | 1,086 | 993 | 1,417 | 1,463 | 1,375 | 2,838 | 2,949 |
| Peak Downs | 984 | 758 | 543 | 971 | 992 | 1,963 | 2,101 |
| Saraji | 819 | 532 | 556 | 802 | 900 | 1,702 | 1,691 |
| Norwich Park | 73 | 128 | 386 | 365 | 369 | 734 | 541 |
| Gregory Joint Venture | 438 | 674 | 845 | 306 | 248 | 554 | 1,198 |
| BMA total | 4,534 | 3,955 | 4,874 | 5,274 | 5,006 | 10,280 | 11,072 |
| BHP Mitsui Coal (b) | |||||||
| South Walker Creek | 765 | 623 | 690 | 1,106 | 901 | 2,007 | 1,821 |
| Poitrel | 656 | 510 | 736 | 697 | 679 | 1,376 | 1,513 |
| BHP Mitsui Coal total | 1,421 | 1,133 | 1,426 | 1,803 | 1,580 | 3,383 | 3,334 |
| Queensland total | 5,955 | 5,088 | 6,300 | 7,077 | 6,586 | 13,663 | 14,406 |
| Shipments | |||||||
| Coking coal | 5,243 | 3,475 | 4,865 | 5,066 | 4,845 | 9,911 | 11,884 |
| Weak coking coal | 1,886 | 970 | 1,411 | 1,691 | 1,747 | 3,438 | 3,539 |
| Thermal coal | 206 | 125 | 285 | 176 | 20 | 196 | 574 |
| Total | 7,335 | 4,570 | 6,561 | 6,933 | 6,612 | 13,545 | 15,997 |
(a) Metallurgical coal production is reported on the basis of saleable product. Production figures include some thermal coal.
(b) Shown on 100% basis. BHP Billiton interest in saleable production is 80%.
| Illawarra, Australia — Production | 1,832 | 1,582 | 1,622 | 2,214 | 1,907 | 4,121 | 3,680 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shipments | |||||||
| Coking coal | 1,495 | 1,374 | 1,407 | 1,673 | 1,255 | 2,928 | 2,883 |
| Thermal coal | 536 | 211 | 216 | 159 | 441 | 600 | 898 |
| Total | 2,031 | 1,585 | 1,623 | 1,832 | 1,696 | 3,528 | 3,781 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 14
PRODUCTION AND SHIPMENT REPORT
| DEC | MAR | JUN | SEP | DEC | DEC | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2011 | 2010 | |
| ENERGY COAL | |||||||
| BHP Billiton attributable production and sales unless otherwise stated. (000 tonnes) | |||||||
| South Africa | |||||||
| Production | 8,507 | 8,596 | 8,228 | 9,095 | 7,976 | 17,071 | 17,504 |
| Sales | |||||||
| Export | 3,365 | 2,887 | 3,082 | 3,439 | 3,546 | 6,985 | 6,412 |
| Local utility | 5,024 | 5,254 | 5,363 | 5,622 | 4,582 | 10,204 | 10,691 |
| Inland | 96 | 78 | 37 | 85 | 165 | 250 | 206 |
| Total | 8,485 | 8,219 | 8,482 | 9,146 | 8,293 | 17,439 | 17,309 |
| New Mexico, USA | |||||||
| Production | |||||||
| Navajo Coal | 1,818 | 1,629 | 2,271 | 1,178 | 2,060 | 3,238 | 3,572 |
| San Juan Coal | 478 | 731 | 1,508 | 1,289 | 103 | 1,392 | 1,901 |
| Total | 2,296 | 2,360 | 3,779 | 2,467 | 2,163 | 4,630 | 5,473 |
| Sales - local utility | 3,339 | 3,385 | 3,106 | 3,630 | 3,108 | 6,738 | 6,700 |
| NSW Energy Coal, Australia | |||||||
| Production | 3,394 | 3,978 | 3,793 | 4,046 | 4,027 | 8,073 | 5,900 |
| Sales | |||||||
| Export | 3,253 | 3,824 | 3,522 | 3,523 | 3,566 | 7,089 | 5,879 |
| Inland | 180 | 339 | 364 | 625 | 333 | 958 | 584 |
| Total | 3,433 | 4,163 | 3,886 | 4,148 | 3,899 | 8,047 | 6,463 |
| Cerrejon Coal, Colombia | |||||||
| Production | 2,316 | 2,609 | 2,538 | 2,852 | 2,753 | 5,605 | 4,742 |
| Sales - export | 2,672 | 2,149 | 2,853 | 2,901 | 2,784 | 5,685 | 5,448 |
BHP Billiton Production Report for the half year ended 31 December 2011 Page 15
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| By: | BHP Billiton Limited and BHP Billiton Plc — /s/ Jane McAloon |
|---|---|
| Name: | Jane McAloon |
| Title: | Group Company Secretary |